SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — San Diego, known as 'The Capital of Craft,' is gearing up for its 16th annual Beer Week, a 10-day extravaganza celebrating the city's thriving independent craft beer industry.
From November 1 to 10, 2024, breweries, brewpubs, bars, and restaurants throughout San Diego County will host various events and special offerings for beer enthusiasts.
Erik Fowler, Executive Director of the San Diego Brewers Guild, expressed his excitement: "Beer Week is thee most wonderful time of the year. We hope all San Diegans will celebrate our great industry, whether at our big event or their favorite brewery."Here's a breakdown of key events by week: Week 1 (November 1-7):
- November 1: Virtual kick-off toast at all Brewers Guild member locations at 7:30 p.m.
- November 1: Weir Beer Company's grand opening celebration in Vista
- Throughout the week: Individual brewery events and beer specials (check the Brewers Guild's calendar for details)
- Ongoing: Capital of Craft IPA collaboration beer available on draft and in cans at all Guild member breweries
Week 2 (November 8-10):
- November 8: Grantville neighborhood cleanup at noon (Meet at San Diego Brewing Co., 10450 Friars Road)
- November 9: The Capital of Craft Beerfest at Kilowatt Brewing in Kearny Mesa, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. (VIP entry at noon)
- November 10: North Park neighborhood cleanup at noon (Meet at Black Plague, 2899 University Avenue)
- Throughout the week: Continuation of individual brewery events and specials
The highlight of Beer Week is The Capital of Craft Beerfest on November 9. This event will feature:
- More than 30 local breweries showcasing their best hop-forward beers
- Unlimited tastings in customized taster glasses
- Food trucks, interactive games, and live music by Los Tortugas
- A People's Choice Hoppy Beer Award
Tickets for the Beerfest are $70.00 (plus fee) for general admission and $90.00 (plus fee) for VIP access.
Only 400 tickets are available for this 21-plus event.
Throughout Beer Week, beer lovers can enjoy special events like AleSmith Brewing Company's Signature Speedway Grand Prix, which features tastings of 12 different versions of its iconic coffee stout.
Brewery DB will provide curated beer trails to sample multiple breweries across the county.
San Diego's craft beer industry thrives, with local breweries winning 12 medals at the 2024 Great American Beer Festival.
The county boasts over 150 craft brewery locations, the highest number in any U.S. county.
As Fowler says, "Ten may not equal seven, but Beer Week is a perfect ten."
